At an age when he should be running around with a schoolbag on his shoulders, playing with friends and enjoying the carefree days of childhood, 10-year-old Atun Chakraborty is instead fighting a difficult battle between life and death. He has been diagnosed with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL), non-germinal centre type, and is currently undergoing treatment at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre in Mumbai, India.
Atun’s father, Ranjan Chakraborty, and mother, Moni Chakraborty, have been doing everything within their means to save their child’s life. However, the prolonged and expensive cost of treatment has now gone beyond what the family can afford. Atun was also previously treated at Imperial Hospital in Chattogram, Bangladesh.
According to his medical reports, the disease is present in multiple parts of Atun’s body. At the beginning of his illness, fluid accumulated in his abdomen and around his lungs. A biopsy later confirmed Large B-Cell Lymphoma, following which chemotherapy was started on the advice of his doctors. He has already received four cycles of chemotherapy. Although his physical condition showed some improvement, a subsequent FDG PET/CT scan detected active disease in various lymph nodes in the chest, the lining of the lungs, different areas inside the abdomen, and the pelvis. The report also mentioned a large soft-tissue mass in the pelvis.
According to the doctors’ advice, Atun now needs two more cycles of chemotherapy as soon as possible. After completing this stage of treatment, he may require a Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) as the next step.
The family has already spent approximately BDT 47 lakh (4.7 million taka) on Atun’s treatment. In addition, approximately BDT 21 lakh is currently outstanding at Jaslok Hospital for his ongoing treatment and the next two cycles of chemotherapy. As the family has been unable to pay the outstanding amount, Atun and his mother, Moni Chakraborty, are still staying at Jaslok Hospital. A further approximately BDT 30 lakh will be required for the Bone Marrow Transplant.
Therefore, including the approximately BDT 47 lakh already spent, BDT 21 lakh currently outstanding at the hospital, and approximately BDT 30 lakh required for the Bone Marrow Transplant, the total estimated cost of Atun’s treatment comes to approximately BDT 98 lakh. Of this amount, approximately BDT 51 lakh is currently required for the outstanding hospital expenses and upcoming treatment.
Having already spent everything they could afford on their son’s treatment, Ranjan and Moni Chakraborty are no longer able to arrange such a large amount on their own. They are therefore appealing to kind-hearted and financially capable people to help ensure that 10-year-old Atun’s treatment does not stop because of a lack of money.
Atun’s parents say that even a small contribution from people can make a significant difference in continuing their son’s treatment. Those who are unable to provide financial assistance are also requested to share this appeal with their friends, relatives and others. A single share may reach someone whose support could help Atun see the light of hope once again.
How to Support Atun
Financial assistance for Atun’s treatment can be sent to:
Account Name: RANJAN CHAKRABORTY
Bank: Prime Bank
Branch: Laldighi East Branch
Account Number: 2145212007406
bKash (Moni Chakraborty): 01776520004
At just 10 years old, Atun still dreams of living. His parents’ heartfelt plea is that his dreams should not come to an end simply because his family cannot afford the cost of treatment.
Your small contribution could become the greatest hope for a family fighting to save their child’s life. Please stand beside Atun, support his treatment, share this appeal, and keep him in your prayers.
